The trial of Irish man Ibrahim Halawa is expected to hear the case for his defence today in Cairo.

The 21-year-old from Dublin has appeared in court on nearly 30 occasions during his mass trial with nearly 500 others.

He has spent nearly four years behind bars in Egypt, following his arrest at a protest in 2013.

Amnesty International say his detention and trial are unlawful.

The human rights group has declared him a Prisoner of Conscience.

It says this is based on its own eye-witness evidence that he could not have carried out the acts he is accused of.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has said he believes the trial process is now nearing a conclusion.

Officials from the Irish embassy in Cairo have been in court for several past hearings.